Blind Cigar Review: Ave Maria | Knights Templar

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 48
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero, Viso and Honduran Viso
Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez
Blender: AJ Fernandez
Number of reviewers: 9 —– Craig (WyldKnyght) Denis (Inspector) Gregg (McGreggor57) Ron (shuckins) Robert (NavyPiper) Brian (B-daddy) Jason (bigslowrock) Milton (mjohnsoniii) Emmett (rhetorik)
Price: $7.00
Age: 3 Months Rest
Release Date: 2010
Contributed by: Meier & Dutch

Editors Note

I want to extend a special welcome to guest reviewer Denis of Cigar Inspector. If you haven’t had a chance to check out his site, make sure you do here. We have posted a guest review on his site in the past, and hopefully this won’t be the last time he makes an appearance on ours.

Cigar Info

The Ave Maria has been around for quite some time, and tends to go somewhat under the radar, mostly because of its limited distribution. These limited distribution cigars don’t get as much attention because they are not in stores and some publications don’t review cigars that aren’t widely distributed. Like many Meier & Dutch exclusives, this is blended by AJ Fernandez.

Description from manufacturer: “In a world of stronger and spicier, Ave Maria was made to be simply better. Better materials. Better balance. Better quality. Medium in body but full in flavor, each Ave Maria vitola graces your palate with a luxurious bouquet and savory aromas. Earth, leather, roasted coffee bean and gentle spices complement a rich yet creamy character. Expect perfect balance from this elegant display of impressive craftsmanship.”

Initial Impressions

Appearance:  91

“Very nice looking light chocolate brown wrapper with some small to medium veins.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

Aroma: 88

“The main prelight aroma is barnyard/stable. The foot has a distinct black pepper smell. The pre-draw is rather dry and muted.” –Denis (Inspector)

First Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The first puffs turn out quite powerful and the black pepper flavor is definitely there. When it settles down a bit, cedary and oaky flavors envelop the palate. The black pepper remains present at the back of the palate. Near the end of the first third, the cigar loses some of its power and damp wood notes become more prominent.” –Denis (Inspector)

“The cedar is not as dry as I thought it was going to be from the pre-light smell, although it does have the musty taste to it that I smelled before lighting it. A peppery allspice flavor shows up at the end of the first third, giving it a nice little kick.” –Ron (shuckins)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“This third is still giving me the pepper and woodiness of this first third though not as strong. I’m picking up on some earthiness and vanilla. As I continue, pepper starts to dominate.” –Jason (bigslowrock)

“This third is starting out very balanced. The spice has toned down and the earth has picked up, adding in some leather notes here and there. The spices have expanded in this third bringing in some other kinds of pepper like chili and some notes of cumin. The earthy flavors have transitioned into more of a nondescript woody flavor.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Final Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Some cedar, grass and white pepper have come to the front, yet stayed true to the smoky notess of the rest of the cigar. The increased spice complimented the muted flavors.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Same flavor profile in the final third but the intensity has increased. The woodiness has become more dominant but the texture of the smoke is still creamy. The spice zing comes in earlier now, immediately after the draw. The finish is longer and a little more full. Just past the band point, the finish becomes a dry tobacco and pepper flavor that lasts from one draw to the next. Puckers the tip of my tongue.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 98

“The draw was absolutely perfect throughout the smoke: not too firm and not too loose, exactly what I’m looking for in a cigar.” –Denis (Inspector)

Burn: 92

“Like the draw, the burn was great throughout with never a problem!” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Construction: 89

“The construction was on point. There were no soft spots and it gave a bit when squeezed. Its double cap was virtually flawless and the wrapper itself showed almost no seams whatsoever.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Overall Experience: 88

“This is a solid Above Average stick that would be great as an after-dinner smoke, being quite strong. The lack of complexity involves some other pastime, so if you are planning to read or listen to your favorite band in your smoking room this would be a good choice.” –Denis (Inspector)

“This was a good cigar, but the flavor was not to my liking.” –Craig (WyldKnyght)

“This was a hearty cigar that kept my interest throughout. I would keep them on hand for those times after a nice meal. The smokiness of the flavors were great and the subtle changes within this profile were appreciated.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“A nice cigar that started good, finished better and that I would smoke again.” –Ron (shuckins)

“My experience with this sample wasn’t very good. It was pretty one dimensional throughout, and unfortunately it was a cigar that didn’t agree with me. I was also frustrated and annoyed from all the coughing and hacking while I was smoking it. But hey, ya know while it didn’t work with me doesn’t mean that someone else may feel they hit the lottery with this cigar. Hopefully I had a fluke and the others had better results.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

“It was a good morning smoke. I paired it with a cup of coffee (with cream) and it complemented it well. I’d buy this and smoke it again. Don’t think I’d buy a box unless they were real inexpensive. Overall though, a pretty pleasant smoke.” –Brian (B-daddy)

“I don’t think that I would go in search of another one, but I would smoke one again. My cigar seemed to have a couple issues from the roll.” –Jason (bigslowrock)

“This was an interesting cigar that begs to be had again. There were a lot of flavors that came and went and I am inclines to give it another shot as I would love to see if this is the profile that the manufacturer intended or if it was this specific cigar. Either way, I’d venture to say this is one that I’d keep in the regular rotation.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“This was a great cigar, one of the best I’ve reviewed blind this year. I hope the price isn’t too high so I can pick some up. Definitely box-worthy. The flavors were blended very well, nothing was too overpowering, and the transitions were distinct and enjoyable. Balanced and tasty, just the way a cigar should be.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 83

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Ave Maria | Knights Templar